Underwater striking bag device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

An underwater striking bag device has an underwater striking bag which is at least slightly buoyant and having a connector thereon, and a base which of a weight sufficient to overcome buoyancy and a retaining member for interconnecting to a user to limit travel of its position when the bag is struck by a user thereby providing a unique multi-action fitness striking device. A method of using the bag device is provided.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/004,927filed Jan. 23, 2016 and claims the benefit thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to underwater exercise. Moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to an underwater strikingbag device and method of using the same.

Prior Art

It is common knowledge that water therapy is beneficial for conditioningand strengthening muscles. There are numerous devices on the market forexercising in swimming pools. Most of them are weights or fins which areheld in the hand or placed over the hands, and then water resistanceprovides the exerciser additional resistance for conditioning. There aremany types of exercising equipment available in today's market place.Most of the exercise devices, however, only work one area of a user'sbody. They either work the lower area, which would be the legs or theupper area, which would be the chest and arms. Water exercise such aswater hoops, water volleyball, underwater rugby, underwater soccer aretypically games played with multiple parties and while helpful inproviding some exercise, they are not directed at providing a trueworkout for the player. One prior underwater ball used a hollow cavityPVC material for holding both water and air pressure without rupturing.The cavity is partially filled with water volume and air pressure toprovide a neutral buoyant and pneumatic underwater play ball that cannaturally glide under water in a straight line and repeatedly rebound onimpact to its original position by itself when passed and bouncedunderwater for amusement and limited use in exercise. Other types ofballs use only slightly negative buoyancy, their movement under water islimited to rolling on the pool bottom. Other underwater non buoyantballs cannot rebound on impact to their original position naturally bytheir self when passed, kicked or bounced.

Punching (heavy bags, speed bags, double-ended, and uppercut) andkicking bags are commonly floor based, and their stability is based onthe weight or framework holding the device to ceiling or supportsurface. In such systems, the devices are heavy and difficult to movearound. In addition, hitting a conventional bag at full force may causeinjury to hands, feet and muscles and protective apparel (e.g., gloves)are recommended. These traditional exercise devices offer an excellentcardiovascular workout, but the exerciser does not feel resistanceagainst the swing of their arm or leg until impact is made with the bagsince air resistance is negligibly felt by the exerciser.

Today, there is a need to have the most efficient exercise which posesminimal risk of injury to the person exercising. It would be desirableto have a system that can be used in a swimming pool that provides a lowimpact upper and lower body workout with less chance of injury orre-injury. Furthermore, it would be desirable that the device iscompact, easily assembled and transportable. Still further, it would bedesirable to have an exercise device that could be used for groupexercise and fitness programs. It was not known in the prior art tocombine these exercises on one device to yield the optimal exercisedevice. The invention is an improvement in the field of exercising andovercomes some of the deficiencies with prior water fitness devices. Thedevice also increases the exerciser's coordination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to provide a method of exercising.

Another object of the invention is to provide an underwater exercise bagdevice.

Still another object is to provide a method of exercising using anunderwater punching/kicking bag or device for physical fitness.

Still it is the object of this invention to provide a simple exercisingdevice that gives a total body exercise (i.e. using both the arms andlegs.)

It is another object of this invention to provide an inexpensiveexercise device.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a light-weighteasily transportable exercise device.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise device thatcan be used by persons of any size who are capable of standing in apool.

A still further object of this invention is drawn to a method ofachieving total body fitness workout by using the exercise deviceaccording to this invention.

Accordingly, the invention is directed to an underwater punching bagdevice and method of exercising using the same. This invention combinesan underwater exercise bag which is at least slightly buoyant, having aconnector thereon, a retaining member which can preferably be heightadjustable interconnecting the connector and a base, which can be aweight sufficient to overcome the buoyancy of the bag and maintain itsposition when the bag is struck by the user thereby providing a uniquemulti-action fitness exercise device. Optionally, the heightadjustability can be controlled by the amount of air added to the bag.As air is added, the bag becomes more buoyant; when one removes air fromthe bag, the bag will sink based on the amount of air remaining in thebag and the size of the weight attached to the retaining member.

Another aspect of the invention is a method using the same. The methodincludes providing an underwater exercise bag in a pool, by attaching afirst end of a retaining member to the underwater exercise bag and asecond adjacent to the bottom of a pool in a manner to retain the secondend in a relatively fixed position, thereby retaining the underwaterexercise bag at least partially submerged below a surface of water, andstriking the underwater exercise bag with part of one's body. In anotherembodiment, the second member can be attached below the bag and servesas a counter balance, so when the bag is struck it stays in an uprightposition.

The exercise bag of the invention will rebound when it is struck againstthe wall of a pool. When it is stuck in open water, it moves forward andaway from the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the invention.

FIG. 2 is another illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is yet another illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures, the underwater punching bag device of thepresent invention is represented generally by the numerals 10 and 100.The underwater punching bag device 10, 100 includes a bag 12, 120 thatis at least slightly buoyant, having an exterior surface which includesa flexible water impermeable material, such as plastic, having areclosable open surface 14, 140 such as a threaded open neck 190 (e.g.,large port for filling said bag with water) and complementary threadedcap 230 thereon to permit partial filling of the bag 12, 120 with waterin lower area or compartment 130. Also, an air valve 210 can be providedto provide for partial filling of the bag 12, 120 with air into an upperarea or compartment 150. The air valve 210 can be separate or includedas part of the cap 230. The bag 12, 120 can be soft flexiblerubber/neoprene material, for example, and can be a cylindricalcontainer capable to holding a combination of air and water to make itbuoyant. The bag 12, 120 is soft enough to punch based on the amount ofair pressure in upper area 150, that is exerted on the inside wall ofbag 12, 120. Less air makes the bag 12, 120 more flexible and lessensthe impact of a punch or kick or without the need to use protectivegloves. In its simplest form, the inventor contemplates that there maybe only one or more than one reclosable open surface, one which providesfor filling with water, or weighted material such as sand, into lowerarea 130 within the bag 12, 120 and filling through the upper area 150with air.

One or more connector 16, 160 such as a loop thereon can be provided onthe bag 12, 120. It is to be noted that the lower area or compartment130 can be integrally or separately connected to the upper area orcompartment 150 by various means. An additional weighted member 24, 240such as a 5 pound weight, along with 5-6 gallons of water in the lowerarea or compartment 130 of bag 12, 120, can be provided. By varying theamount of air (increasing/decreasing air pressure) in area/compartment150, this will keep the bag 12, 120 rigid and buoyant or flaccid andsubmersible.

By way of example, a retaining line or connector 18, 180 can be providedto interconnect the weighted member 24, 240 and bag 12, 120. Theretaining line or connector 18, 180 can be flexible, semi-rigid or rigidconnected to a clamp 26, 260. In the case of flexible, it might be aline, cord or waterproof rope, whereas in the case of semi rigid orrigid it can be a plastic or metal material of suitable configurationfor example.

The bag 12, 120 is height adjustable. Height of the bag 12, 120 can beadjusted based on the amount of air in the upper area or compartment 150of bag 12, 120 and/or the weight of base 24, 240. As air isadded/removed, the bag 12, 120 maintains its equilibrium with thesurrounding water and keeps the bag 12, 120 suspended underwater, makingit easy to strike or kick. To increase buoyancy, a slight amount of aircan be added, e.g., by blowing, into the bag 12, 120. The base 24, 240can preferably be a padded weight such as sand or metal surrounded byimpact resistant foam padding. An end 20, 200 of connector 18, 180connects to the clamp 26, 260 (or other mounting point). A second end22, 220 connects to a base 24, 240. The base 24, 240 can be a weightsufficient to provide a lower center of gravity, thus keeping the bag12, 120 in upright position and limit its tilt when the bag 12, 120 isstruck by the user thereby providing a unique multi-action fitnessexercise device.

The base 24, 240 in the case of using a flexible line or cord 18, 180can include clamp 26, 260 such as a cam cleat device, for example whichaccepts second end 22, 220 therethrough and therefore retain theretaining member 18, 180 in an adjustable manner. It is alsocontemplated that in the case of a rigid or semi-rigid retaining member18, 180 such member 18, 180 could be telescoping with in intermediatetwist locking mechanism to permit height adjustability.

Once assembled and the bag 12, 120 is filled as described above, anddisposed at a level beneath the water surface W at a desired level, theunderwater punching bag device 10, 100 is ready for use. The user maystrike the bag 12, 120 with an appendage, such as hands and legs.Meanwhile, the user is fighting the resistant forces of water on movingbody parts as well as moving the bag 12, 120. It is noted that thebuoyancy can be changed by the amount of water and air in the bag 12,120 and thus affect the ease of movement of the bag 12, 120 through thewater after it is struck. Persons of various sizes may use the device10, 100.

The present invention is an underwater punching bag device 10, 100 andmethod of using the same that allows an exerciser a low impact boxing orlimited MMA workouts, for example, through the use of water resistance.The air/water/weight combination provides buoyancy and stability to thebag 12, 120 as it is punched. The exerciser strikes the bag 12, 120 bypunching or kicking the bag through the water. By striking the bag 12,120 through water, water resistance slows the impact, allowing theexerciser to throw punches and kicks with less stress on muscles therebyminimizing injury and allowing improved conditioning of the upper andlower body.

A cord 18, 180 can be used and attached to the punching bag 12, 120 forexample, and extends to a base weight that sits below the bag 12, 120,either directly connected there beneath or extended to the bottom of apool or body of water. The cord 18, 180 is adjusted by sliding the cord18, 180 through clamp 26, 260 which is attached to the weight. Also, byadjusting the amount of air in the bag 12, 120 or the position of theclamp 26, 260 this allows the bag 12, 120 to be height adjusted up anddown in the water. The exerciser would place the device in a pool orbody of water, fill the punching bag with a combination of air and waterto adjust the buoyancy of the bag 12, 120. More air causes the bag to bemore buoyant and have more upward force, while less air and combinedwith the downward force of the base 24, 240 makes the bag less buoyant,causing the bag to be closer in equilibrium with the surrounding water.The exerciser adjusts the amount of air pressure 18, 180 on the weightso the bag 12, 120 is suspended in a position for a workout. Theexerciser strikes the bag 12, 120 by punching through the water to hitthe bag 12, 120. The exerciser may also step around the ball and strikethe ball from different directions, much like a boxer would move arounda boxing ring. The present invention may also have one or more of thefollowing examples of exercising techniques. The techniques can beprovided in any form, such as printed on side of bag 12, 120.

An optional ankle/wrist strap 28, 280 (retainer member) attached toconnector 16, 160 or to the base 24, 240 can be provided to prevent thebase 24, 240 from shifting during a workout. The ankle/wrist strap 28,280 could also allow additional resistance exercises by allowing theexerciser to pull the bag 12, 120 back into position after the bag 12,120 is struck, providing pulling resistance as well as pushingresistance. The pulling resistance would be beneficial for generalexercise and for physical rehabilitation as prescribed. Alternatively, akicking bag similar to the punching bag 12, 120 is also contemplated bythe present invention. A pair of eye goggles 30 is recommended, butoptional, to prevent water from splashing in the user's eyes.

The strap 28, 280 aid in preventing the bag 12, 120 fromslipping/drifting after it is struck. When so connected, the strap 28,280 aids to retain the bag 12, 120 within a range of limited movementrelative to user's appendage. The strap 28, 280 can be attached to thewrist to allow arm resistance pulling exercises. As the exerciserstrikes the bag 12, 120, the bag 12, 120 drifts away, then the exerciserpulls the bag 12, 120 back into position so it can be struck again,allowing a rhythmic punch/pull exercise. This strap 28, 280 can beattached to the ankle for similar exercise. To prevent the bag 12, 120from moving too far after each strike, such as a punch, an ankle strapmay be employed to the exerciser's ankles to allow the base 24, 240position to be controlled by the exerciser. As a strike is delivered,the base 24, 240 may shift slightly on a floor of the pool, so use ofankle strap 28, 280 will allow the user to stabilize the forwardmovement of the base 24, 240 for extended workouts. Ankle/wrist strap28, 280 would also be recommended in the case of multiple personsattempting to conduct a group fitness course of exercise in the poolwhere space is limited. Another application of the invention could befor physical rehabilitation. The bag 12, 120 can preferably have severalbasic striking techniques written on the side of the bag 12, 120, suchas jab, hook, cross, kick, etc. Eye protection 30 is recommended toprevent water from splashing in the eyes of the user. A handle 320 canalso be provided as part of the back 12, 120.

The present invention is unique due to the way the device offers adifferent method of exercise than conventional punching bags or watertherapy devices. The present invention device provides a new form ofexercise that can be deployed in nearly any swimming pool or body ofwater and it provides a unique form of low impact exercise. It is easyto setup and move. It can be used by adults and children. The device 10,100 can be used for exercise or rehabilitation.

Although the foregoing description is specific, it should not beconsidered as a limitation on the scope of the invention, but only as anexample of the preferred embodiment. Many variations are possible withinthe teachings of the invention. For example, different attachmentmethods, fasteners, materials, dimensions, etc. can be used unlessspecifically indicated otherwise. The relative positions of the elementscan vary, and the shapes of elements can vary. Therefore, the scope ofthe invention should be determined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents, not by the examples given.

What is claimed is:
 1. An underwater striking bag device, whichincludes: an underwater striking bag having a side striking surface, aweighted lower end, and at least a first part of an upper end of saidunderwater striking bag inflated with air and a second part of saidunderwater striking bag below said first part filled with water suchthat said underwater striking bag is configured to be substantiallysubmerged below a surface of water and at least slightly buoyant whereinsaid side striking surface remains upright by virtue of said weightedlower end and said inflated upper end, said underwater striking baghaving a connector thereon; and a retaining member having a first endconnected to said connector of said underwater striking bag and a secondend configured for removable connection to a user's appendage to retainsaid underwater striking bag within a range of limited movement relativeto said appendage of said user.
 2. The underwater striking bag device ofclaim 1, wherein said bag is height adjustable by one of inflation and aretaining line.
 3. The underwater striking bag device of claim 1,wherein said retaining member is flexible.
 4. The underwater strikingbag device of claim 1, wherein said weighted lower end includes aconnector connected to a weighted member.
 5. The underwater striking bagdevice of claim 1, wherein said bag includes a first large port forfilling said bag with water and a second smaller valve for inflatingsaid bag with air.
 6. The underwater striking bag device of claim 5,wherein said port and said valve are manually openable and closable. 7.A method of striking, which includes the steps of: providing anunderwater striking bag into a body of water, said underwater strikingbag having a connector thereon, and said underwater striking bag havinga side striking surface, a weighted lower end and a first part of anupper end inflated with air and a second part below said first partfilled with water, said underwater striking bag substantially submergedbelow a surface of water and wherein said side striking surface remainsupright by virtue of said weighted lower end and said inflated upperend; connecting a first end of a retaining member to said connector ofsaid underwater striking bag and a second end configured for removableconnection to one's appendage, and connecting said second end to one'sappendage to retain said underwater striking bag within a range oflimited movement; and striking the underwater striking bag.